Photographer's Note

First photo of a short series of pictures taken in and around London's West End on a recent trip home from Germany.
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Everyone who's ever been to London knows all about Trafalgar Square. What is there to say? The basic layout of the square was designed by John Nash in the 1820's although he didn't live to see his designs come to realisation. Nelson & his colum were added by William Railton in 1838. The fountains were designed by Edwin Lutyens (of New Delhi fame), the spire in the centre belongs to the church of St-Martin's-In-The-Fields, designed by James Gibbs and completed in 1726 (presumably even then, not really "in the fields", as the site's original Norman church may once have been), the building to the left is of course the National Gallery, and the statue, commissioned himself, is of George IV on horseback.

Hi Philip!
I like the contrast between the nice colored foreground and the nearly B&W background.
A verry sharp image ,taken from a good POV.The fountan is placed perfect in your good composition.
Regards,Leo

The threatening skies and summery feel of the fountain contrast as much as the gray skies and golden fountain. If the shutter speed was a little longer, there could have been a third element of contrast - still and movement. The colours of the people's clothing draws the eye away too - I would have been tempted to touch-up the picture. All said and done, a really nice shot.

Hello,
very good picture. The point of view is great with the fontain not centred but pushed on the right in order to emphasis the nelson statue and also the church in the background. Colours are nice and I specially like the light effect on foreground water.
Sharpness is perfect.
I've read your answer to dai, and I think that a longer exposure time will not be appropriated about water effect : I prefer the sparkling aspect than a smooth and continu white aspect with long time exposure (nice sometimes but not here I think).
Best regards
JMarc

Hi Phil,
Hard to know how you could better this...
Your composition of the National Gallery, George IV statue, church spire, fountain and building on the right is superb. Lighting and contrast is spot on, capturing much moodiness, and the exposure time great capturing the water in such detail.
Only question is what is the building on the right? ;)
Well caught, and TFS!
Regards,
Steve

A fine take from Trafalgar Square, Phil. Well-chosen shooting angle to have this balanced and unobscured alignment of the different elements (fountain, church tower, statue and gallery building). Nice "freezing" effect on the water jets from the fast speed, and a good moody aspect contributed by the dark-ish cloud cover.

You took very beautiful the fountain, certainly with the church tower in background, the colours of the people's clothing draws the eye away too, the composition is good, also the dark sky gives a nice dramatic atmosphere.
Thanks a lot.

The dark sky with these clouds is cool. The most impressing thing is what Leo mentioned - the coloured foreground and the monotone quite black and white background; that's cool. I like the composition. Nice shot. Nino

Nice one Philip! The balance and contast is really strong here. Only slight critisism is that the top of the fountain is a bit washed out at the top-right but overall, a really strong image. Regards, Doug

Grand image of an over visited and over photographed icon. What sets your image apart from most is the clouds, dark and for boding, the in the fountain POV, and the clarity and color of the water against the dark skies. The composition is right on with the fountain on the 1/3 rds forcing us to look into the image at St. Martins.

just seen your well written critic about 'art & colour' so thought I'd take a look at your work and the first click brought me to this very moody image. Because of the weather it almost becomes a photograph of two halves, B&W at the top and colour below. The POV is perfect and the light dances well on (or is it in?) the water of the fountain. Great shot.

A little oversharpenned as we can see the halos around edges of the horse and the side buildings.
But the colourful and vividnes gained and possessed already makes the picture outstanding. Of course, not those alone.
I see a well captured duel here. The lively fountain is taunting at the steady, calm and serious horsman. Meanwhile, the crowd watches.
Nice.

Hi
It seems the coming storm is not scary for the crowd of tourists always present there. Heavy clouds make an interesting bacground. Nice composed with the rest of the photo. I wish there was less people but I of course know it's almost impossible.
Take care
HS

Have to say this is an excellent shot of Trafalger Square Phillip. The dark clouds are superb, adds a real depth to the image. Composition is fantastic, one I have not seen before, and I like the fast shutter speed as it creates a wonderful effect, as if you can hear the water. That may sound a bit odd but I know what I mean, I think ;)
best regards
mark

Hi Philip - awesome sky making for a nice contrast, but I wish there was a larger break in the clouds for the sun to illuminate the buildings for a better conttrast, that would also let the upper right corner of the sky to darken so that the splashing water does not blend with it. For a tourist it's OK, but since you live there you can do better. No more questions.

Hi Phillip.Your intro is true- I'll give you points if you give me points. Otherwise you won't hear from me. Sad modus operandi.Glad to hear you haven't succumbed. Who knows how many points would have come your way had you "sucked up."
It is a highly meritorious photo in its own right. Marvelous mood, Pov,exceptional details, lovely subdued colours and brilliant composition. And i am not sucking up. Regards. Klaudio.

I am a little reluctant to comment on photographs from far more experienced people than myself but if this were my photo i'd be hanging it on my wall. You have achieved alot given the size restrictions with regards to clarity and color. The grey day has been brought to life in your capture. It's a shame you couldn't have shooed away those pesky tourists with their back to you, save for the young lady in the cowboy hat. The tree looks like it has a christmas bauble on it. That's another reason I like this photo alot. There is much to look at.